Jefferson Davis to William Allen

Hurricane [Warren County] Mi[ssissippi]
25th March 1844

Dr. Sir

"The sick man knows the Physician's step", but I assure you that if
breaking a long silence to ask a favor of you should expose me to the
suspicion of remembering you only because of my trouble, the fact is
nevertheless quite otherwise. I am one of the Presidential "Electors"
for the State of Mississippi and though I do not doubt the democratic
character of our people I fear false statements and false issues in the
approaching canvass and expect the Whigs to make great exertions,

I wish you aid me with any statements which can be made available against the charge of defalcation
and extravagance under Mr. Van Buren's administration--against the
present Tariff as productive of Revenue--against the U.S. Bank--against
the charge of improper removals of officers and if there be such
statement the removals in the first year of the Harrison & Tyler's
administration. Further I should be glad to have the evidence of Mr. Clay's
refusal to divide the resolution of censure upon President Jackson for
the removal of the deposites and the rule of the senate in relation to
the division of questions--Secretary Taney's report on the removal of
the deposites from the U.S. Bank--Secretary Poinsett's
annual report recommending reorganization of the Militia and answer to
call of the house on the same subject. Was not President V. Buren one of
the first to point out the unconstitutionality of the military
districts as projected in that answer? I had but cannot now find a
speech of yours showing that the U.S. Bank loaned at a time which
indicated the purpose, more money to members of Congress than the amount
of their pay--can you send me a copy of that speech?

I have mingled but little in politics and as you perceive by this
letter have an arsenal poorly supplied for a campaign. Labor is expected
of me and I am willing to render it. I believe much depends on this
presidential election, and that every man who loves the union and the
constitution as it is should be active.

You will understand what I want or should want better than myself, so
far as you can conveniently send such you will greatly oblige me; and
any suggestions you may find leisure to make to me will be highly
appreciated. Vy. Respectfly. and truly yours--

Jeffn. Davis

From The Papers of Jefferson Davis, Volume 2, pp. 130-31. Transcribed from the original in the Library of Congress, Allen Papers.